SyberJet is readying the first SJ30i for its maiden sortie in the coming weeks, and will debut the aircraft, along with a full-scale interior mock-up at the National Business Aviation Association convention and exhibition in Las Vegas from 19-21 October.
The high-speed light type is an upgraded version of the SJ30-2, which was certificated in 2005 by its former owner Emivest Aerospace. Four examples were delivered and remain in service.
SyberJet
SyberJet parent MTI, whose subsidiary, Metalcraft Technologies, was the aft fuselage supplier for the aircraft, acquired the programme in 2011.
Serial number 5 (registration N50SJ) is “the experimental aircraft used on the original certification programme”, says Mark Fairchild, vice-president customer experience.
He says the company has completed high-power engine runs and initiated power-on taxi testing. “We aim to begin flight testing on 5 October,” says Fairchild.
The SJ30i replaces its predecessor’s Honeywell Primus Epic control display system with a bespoke flightdeck based on the Epic 2.0 cockpit. Dubbed SyberVision, the suite offers four 12in displays, SmartView synthetic vision, a moving map display system, graphical flight planning and onboard weather radar, as well as dual flight management systems.
SyberVision also meets automatic dependent surveillance – broadcast out requirements, which will become compulsory in the USA and Europe from January and June 2020, respectively.
The Williams International FJ44-2A-powered SJ30i also has a redesigned lightweight interior.
Around 250h will be logged on the test aircraft to “certificate the avionics and the new autopilot as well as some minor work to complete interior and cabin options prior to the first delivery,” says Fairchild.
The SJ30i fleet will consist of the five unsold and incomplete units that MTI acquired from Emivest. The first example of the $8.3 million aircraft will be delivered following certification, scheduled for the first quarter of 2021.
Meanwhile, SyberJet is working on the new standard version of the jet powered by more fuel-efficient, higher-thrust FJ44-3AP-25 turbofans with dual FADEC controls.
Scheduled to enter service in 2022, the SJ30x will provide a variety of performance benefits including higher cruise speed at altitude, faster climb, more payload, and better hot-and-high performance, says Fairchild. The $8.8 million aircraft will also feature single-point refuelling.
Source: Flight International
